Christmas Traditions: Advent Calendar
No matter what you believe religiously at this time of year, you have probably, at some time in your life, done an Advent Calendar. It was probably a rectangular box that had 24 doors that once opened revealed a piece of chocolate.
Advent is this time of year (4 weeks) that we prepare for the birth of the Saviour. It's a time filled with anticipation for so many things and for kids it's mostly about Santa and the presents he brings. So somewhere through time the Advent calendar has become more about Santa than Christ...anyhow....
Here is the Advent calendar Rudy grew up using. It's a felt snowman made by his Nonnie (his maternal grandma). There are 24 ties on it where a gummy fruit slice is attached. Then from December 1st through Christmas Eve a piece of candy gets to be eaten until the bell is reached. Once the candies are gone he knew that meant Santa comes that night.
Here's a little bit about the Snowman:
There is a poem on the Snowman's hat that reads-
"December 1st to Christmas is the longest time of the year.
It seems as if old Santa never will appear.
How many days 'til Christmas?
It's very hard to count,
So this little candy ribbon will tell you the exact amount.
Untie a candy every night when the sandman casts his spell
and Christmas Eve will be here by the time you reach the bell."
Rudy does not remember a childhood Christmas without this as an Advent calendar. Then sometime as a teenager it got packed away. Then the Christmas we were pregnant with Aubrey, it was found in his family Christmas storage. Sue, Rudy's sister, replicated it for Aubrey so she could have her own and gave Rudy his. This year, she is making one for Benjamin so that both kids have one as well as Rudy (which we share)
It's been fun over the past couple years using an Advent calendar that holds such a special place in Rudy's heart. Aubrey of course enjoys getting to eat the special treat each night. Rudy's always has the gummy fruit candies. Aubrey's has other special treats such as popcorn, ice cream treats, etc.
Currently, the scariest part of the Advent calendar is the reminder that there are only 3 nights until Christmas---YIKES!
Scary??
Larson said... December 22, 2008 at 10:06 AM
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